There are many holy people in the world. The vast majority of them we will never hear about. A few are thought to be extraordinary and catch attention. When that happens, the Church tries to find out more about them. If the evidence is overwhelming, it may declare that person is indeed in the presence of God, in heaven, and worthy of being listed in the official canon of saints.

Such an investigation is underway into the life and practices of Karol Jozef Wojtyla - Pope John-Paul II. The following 'trailer' [abbreviated video advertisement] promotes a DVD being released soon in his honor.

Even if we die at sea, even if we are scattered on the ground, even if we are torn apart by savage beasts or birds of prey, he will raise us up by his power, for the whole universe is held in the hand of God. “Not a hair of your head,” he says, “will be destroyed.” That is why he urges us in these words: “It is by your perseverance that you will gain life.” [from The Apostolic Constitutions (380), a canonical and liturgical collection. A resumption of the Didascalia of the Apostles, text of the first half of the 3rd century (cf SC 329)]. . . . .Fear? Uncertainty? Despair?

Joy! Certitude! Hope!

Opposite sides of the same coin? or totally different coins?

Today, the universal church celebrates the life of St. James of the Marches [late 14th through middle 15th centuries] - born in Ancona Italy along the Adriatic Sea. He held doctorates in canon and civil law. He fasted nine months of the year; he slept three hours a night. St. Bernardine of Siena told him to moderate his penances.

This extremely popular preacher converted many people (250,000 at one estimate). His sermons prompted numerous Catholics to reform their lives. Many men joined him as Franciscans.

He was not afraid to be martyred, although God did not asked that of him. Twice assassins lost their nerve when they came face to face with him.

His life belonged to God. He is a model many can follow. I bear the name James, and pray the grace to aspire to service as he. Reading the lives of saints can inspire to greatness - who will tomorrow's saints be? . . . . .

Discernment is sometimes a bit tricky. Sometimes trying to find just what it is that God is asking me to do becomes confusing. Have you ever been in the position of trying find a job? Every ad in the newspaper requires 'prior experience'. How do I get the experience without a job? It usually meant I had to start at the bottom and work my way up. Working my way up may be exactly what God had in mind for me.Some years ago I thought I had discerned that I was to become a 'Permanent Deacon' in the Roman Catholic Church. I applied for and was accepted into the program. After a year, my employer transferred me to another Diocese in another state. They didn't even have a program for Permanent Deacons. Well, so much for that.I was troubled by what I thought must have been a faulty discernment on my part. Fortunately, a spiritual director told me that was not necessarily so. He taught me that discernment doesn't mean I will figure out the 'end' in mind, but only the 'next step'. He gave me several examples that set my mind and heart at ease. Now, I recognize that God uses my next step as a prerequisite for HIS next step, and that may not be anything at all like what I was imagining.. . . . .

'CLICK' on the > above and watch this clip from the "Make Room for Daddy" TV show from the early 1960's. The star of the show was actor and comedian Danny Thomas [who, as a philanthropist, founded the St. Jude's Childrens' Hospital in Memphis TN]. In this scene his very young son and daughter are trying to find a job.. . . . .When trying to find God's will, prayer and fasting goes a long way to clear out my spiritual senses so I can hear God's voice.. . . . .

I was headed to church last Sat. to be sacristan for 5:00 mass. I was stopped at a red light when I heard kablunk behind me. I looked in my rear view mirror just in time to see a red pickup truck swerving over the curb onto the tree lawn and stopping right beside me (I turned and looked at his face).

If he had not swerved, my car and I would have been toast !!!

I thanked God and said once again, "You have a purpose for me." Please show me what it is so I can follow. That is the scariest thing for me - how do I know?

(November 21, 2007 11:27 PM

. . . . .

...from uncle jim

Here's a close call story from another friend.

She was in the left turn lane of a 5-lane intersection. She thought the traffic had cleared and started her left turn. As she entered the more left part of the intersection she saw a semi tractor-trailer barreling towards her just yards away. She knew she was 'dead'. She recalls closing her eyes, gripping the steering wheel, and in panic, hitting the brakes, and screaming as an expletive the name of Our Lord, as she awaited the impact [and all of this was in a split-second, as you might imagine]. When she opened her eyes, she was through the intersection, there was no semi in sight, and she was fine. She assures there was no physical way it could have ended like it did. She claims some supernatural suspension of time by her guardian angel moved her through supernaturally fast, or somebody [who might that have been] moved the truck around her, which she says could not have happened naturally. I commented to her there is supernatural power in the name of Jesus ... and she had screamed out to him, albeit perhaps in a manner not exactly reverential. She is more careful now how she uses His name.

I've had close calls of many kinds, I'm sure. How many have I counted as'a second chance' ?. . . . .Adrienne said...

My favorite teacher was Sister St. Philomena. She was a small woman and wore glasses that were thiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiis thick. Sister would sit on her desk and tell us stories about when she was our age. I’m sure that was frowned upon by her superiors. But the best of all was her story about some sneaky nun who used to leave the room and sneak back, holding her rosary beads to keep them quiet, so she could catch the kids who were talking. Sister St. Philomena vowed she would never do anything so nasty. When she returned to the room after an absence we could hear her coming down the hall, swinging her beads to make a huge clatter, giving us plenty of time to compose ourselves. Gotta love her!!!

(November 22, 2007)

. . . . .

Stories of God's protection are faith builders to others. Tell us one of yours, please. - right here in this comment box. I look forward to your story. I'll share your 'second chance' with others in a future post.. . . . .

Bad habits are not easy to break. Repetitive sinful behavior become bad habits. Repetitive bad habits become vice. Vice can be replaced with repetitive good behavior, which become good habits, which become virtue. A good Christian man must necessarily become a man of virtue.

Saint Paul wrote in his letter to the Philippians in chapter 4 verse 13,

Every day I encounter situations that call for a decision on my part. Some are small - some are big. Every one of them requires I act like a man - a Christian man.

Can a non-Christian man respond the same way? Not exactly. While any person can respond with the same words and actions, only a Christian man can respond with the mind of Christ. Only a Christian man can say, "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives - in me." [Gal 2:20 - rsv]

There are some virtues that a man needs to play his role in society and in the family. Relying on God's power, on God's grace, on God's wisdom is a virtue - an invaluable virtue. St Paul makes this use of the power of God a theme several times in his letters. Another instance of St. Paul reminding his readers of this is found in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians in chapter 12, verses 9-10.

Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak, then I am strong. [NAB]

Paul had been begging God to remove a particular 'thorn in the flesh'. God's response denied that request. God reminded Paul that by using the grace granted, the power of God is made perfect. It is in overcoming my difficulties, with God's help, that I give glory to God. I am virtuous when I manifest the power of God by pushing through a difficulty - by gutting it out. . . . . .(to be continued next Sunday)

There are many movies being released this Thanksgiving and Christmas season. One of the movies getting a lot of advertising is Beowulf. Unfortunately, I fear a lot of English Lit teachers will be encouraging their students to go see this movie. The problem is the movie version has a lot in it that is not as it is in the written masterpiece. A review of it can be found here.

A movie that some might consider viewing is the Bee Movie. Like most movies, it manages to get some questionable material into the script. The reviewer I read [here] gives it a "qualified B".

Enchanted seems to be a good bet, though. Every once in a while, someone comes out with a holiday season movie that you can actually go to and enjoy. This might be this year's winner. Read about it here, then go and enjoy yourselves. . . . . .

Have you ever heard of the AmChurch? The term 'AmChurch' is a form of shorthand name for the American Catholic Church. It is a very non-traditional aberration of 1970's liberality after Vatican II.

I, for one, have been oblivious to this group. This week for Thanksgiving Day, Mark P. Shea* wrote an article on the Inside Catholic website about these extremely liberal people, who call themselves the American Catholic Church, as opposed to the Roman Catholic Church. You can read the article here.

An example of their 'theology' can be found in their interpretation of the story in Ez 16:49 - '...the real sin of Sodom had nothing to do with sodomy but was, instead, lack of hospitality'. Does that cause you to scratch your head and say, "What?".Another example can be seen in the story of the loaves and fishes. Their interpretive version says, "Then Jesus took the loaves, gave thanks, and the crowd, so moved at his warm fuzziness, started to share their own lunches with each other and sing..." - for real!

Read the article for more. As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord of the Roman Catholic Church.

Thursday, November 22, 2007

Boris Becker, tennis Hall of Famer, is 40 . . . . .in 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated while riding in a motorcade in Dallas. Suspected gunman Lee Harvey Oswald was arrested. Vice President Lyndon B. Johnson was sworn in as the 36th president of the United States. (Go to article.)

The Hand of a Teacher:A Thanksgiving Story

The Hand

At first it sounded like a Thanksgiving story, but the more I reflected on it, the more appropriate it seemed for any time of the year. The way I heard it, the story went like this:

Thanksgiving Day was near. The first grade teacher gave her class a fun assignment -- to draw a picture of something for which they were thankful.

Most of the class might be considered economically disadvantaged, but still many would celebrate the holiday with turkey and other traditional goodies of the season. These, the teacher thought, would be the subjects of most of her student's art. And they were.

But Douglas made a different kind of picture. Douglas was a different kind of boy. He was the teacher's true child of misery, frail and unhappy. As other children played at recess, Douglas was likely to stand close by her side. One could only guess at the pain Douglas felt behind those sad eyes.

Yes, his picture was different. When asked to draw a picture of something for which he was thankful, he drew a hand. Nothing else. Just an empty hand.

His abstract image captured the imagination of his peers. Whose hand could it be? One child guessed it was the hand of a farmer, because farmers raise turkeys. Another suggested a police officer, because the police protect and care for people. Still others guessed it was the hand of God, for God feeds us. And so the discussion went -- until the teacher almost forgot the young artist himself.

When the children had gone on to other assignments, she paused at Douglas' desk, bent down, and asked him whose hand it was. The little boy looked away and murmured, "It's yours, teacher."

She recalled the times she had taken his hand and walked with him here or there, as she had the other students. How often had she said, "Take my hand, Douglas, we'll go outside." Or, "Let me show you how to hold your pencil." Or, "Let's do this together." Douglas was most thankful for his teacher's hand.

Brushing aside a tear, she went on with her work.

The story speaks of more than thankfulness. It says something about teachers teaching and parents parenting and friends showing friendship, and how much it means to the Douglases of the world. They might not always say thanks. But they'll remember the hand that reaches out.. . . . .

...and I have a story, too

Teachers' hands reaching out to help a student is probably so common we hardly notice. - it is their way. I recall two elementary school instances in particular.

She was my fourth grade teacher and she also served as the 'Principal' of our small Catholic parochial school. She was affectionately referred to on the playground as "Old Susanna", as in 'Oh, Susanna, don't you cry for me...' . I assure you, she had quite a few young men crying for her in those days. That particular day, it was my turn.

In a group of fellow fourth graders, I had just made some remark concerning our teacher. I had, of course, referenced her in the most common term of affection by which we knew her, "Old Susanna". The guys became deathly silent as a look of sheer horror spread across their faces. Yep, you guessed it - she was standing directly behind me.

Her hand reached out to me ... and grabbed me by the collar of my jacket. "Come with me young man". I was collared. I was dragged into the office to meet another well-known [by others, I assure you - this was my first meeting with him] inhabitant of the 'Principal's Office' - Mr. Padduhl [pronounced 'paddle']. He was a plank of 1/2" thick hickory with a fat end, kind of like a beaver's tail, and a narrow end, which was used as a handle. We met. I cried. Then I listened to a lecture on respect, and honoring other peoples' name. Sister Mary Susanne had my attention. I referenced her and all teachers by their correct and proper names thereafter. Oh, and I never met Mr. Padduhl again.

Eighth grade found me wanting to move along a little faster than we were doing as a class in math. I was by no means a math wiz of any sort, but I had our lessons down pretty good and expressed to our teacher a desire to learn algebra [back then, algerbra was reserved for high school]. Our very nice [really] teacher, Sister Mary Elmer, got me a book, some work-sheets, and started tutoring me during time when the other students were working on that day's lessons. As a result of her kindness, and a little effort on my part, I scored well on the entrance exam required by a local Catholic High School. The clincher was in the math section of the exam - most students taking the exam had not yet been introduced to Algebra. Thank you Sister Mary Elmer. . . . . .Got a favorite teahcer? Tell us about this wonderful person.. . . . .

Jesus defines eternal life as knowing God (Jn 17:3). What are the ways? In how many different ways can we know God, and thus know eternal life? When I take an inventory, I find twelve.

The final, complete, definitive way, of course, is Christ, God himself in human flesh.

His church is his body, so we know God also through the church.

The Scriptures are the church's book. This book, like Christ himself, is called "The Word of God."

Scripture also says we can know God in nature see Romans 1. This is an innate, spontaneous, natural knowledge. I think no one who lives by the sea, or by a little river, can be an atheist.

Art also reveals God. I know three ex-atheists who say, "There is the music of Bach, therefore there must be a God." This too is immediate.

Conscience is the voice of God. It speaks absolutely, with no ifs, ands, or buts. This too is immediate. [The last three ways of knowing God (4-6) are natural, while the first three are supernatural. The last three reveal three attributes of God, the three things the human spirit wants most: truth, beauty, and goodness. God has filled his creation with these three things. Here are six more ways in which we can and do know God.]

Reason, reflecting on nature, art, or conscience, can know God by good philosophical arguments.

Experience, life, your story, can also reveal God. You can see the hand of Providence there.

The collective experience of the race, embodied in history and tradition, expressed in literature, also reveals God.You can know God through others' stories, through great literature.

The saints reveal God. They are advertisements, mirrors, little Christs. They are perhaps the most effective of all means of convincing and converting people.

Our ordinary daily experience of doing God's will will reveal God. God becomes clearer to see when the eye of the heart is purified: "Blessed are the pure of heart, for they shall see God."

Prayer meets God—ordinary prayer. You learn more of God from a few minutes of prayerful repentance than through a lifetime in a library.

Unfortunately, Christians sometimes have family fights about these ways, and treat them as either/or instead of both/and. They all support each other, and nothing could be more foolish than treating them as rivals—for example, finding God in the church versus finding God in nature, or reason versus experience, or Christ versus art.

If you have neglected any of these ways, it would be an excellent idea to explore them. For instance, pray using great music. Or take an hour to review your life some time to see God's role in your past. Read a great book to better meet and know and glorify God. Pray about it first.

Add to this list, if you can. There are more ways of finding and knowing God than any one essay can contain. Or any one world.

Vid Way Tuesday . . . . .I know I've blown it more than a few times in my life. I never encountered this lady though. If I had, I wonder how I would have responded ... besides turning 'red' with embarrassment AND anger.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Jodie Foster, actress, is 45andMeg Ryan, actress, is 46 . . . . .in 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address as he dedicated a national cemetery at the site of the Civil War battlefield in Pennsylvania. (Go to article.)

. . . . .Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, the ranking member of the Senate Finance Committee, is investigating several major church-based ministries known for their leaders' lavish lifestyles and prosperity teachings.

"Recent articles and news reports regarding possible misuse of donations made to religious organizations have caused some concern for the Finance Committee," Grassley wrote to the ministries in letters asking for detailed financial records.

None of the ministries targeted—those led by Kenneth Copeland, Creflo Dollar, Benny Hinn, Eddie Long, Joyce Meyer, and Randy and Paula White—are required to file the financial disclosure Form 990 with the IRS because they are are designated as churches.

The ministries have until December 6 to submit audited financial statements, compensation reports, records for ministry jet travel, and other documents. The Tampa Tribune has posted the letters to each ministry.

Some of the ministries contacted by news organizations say they will respond to the requests.

Creflo Dollar told CBS News his ministry is an "open book" and said he would comply with any "valid request" from Grassley. But he also warned that Grassley's investigation possibly affects "the privacy of every community church in America."

Joyce Meyer Ministries noted an October letter from the IRS stating, "We determined that you continue to qualify as an organization exempt from Federal income tax." The ministry also said that audited financial statements are available on its website. "JMM is committed to conducting itself with excellence and integrity, choosing to go above and beyond the level of accountability required by law," the organization told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, which published a series of investigative reports on the ministry in 2003.

Randy and Paula White, who recently announced their divorce, told The Tampa Tribune they found the request "unusual, since the IRS has separate powers to investigate religious organizations if they think it's necessary. So we find it odd that the IRS did not initiate this investigation. It also seems odd that they have asked about areas that have no relationship to the operation of the church."

Grassley's office told the Tribune that the IRS "has been unable to keep up with the exponential growth of all tax-exempt organizations, including churches and ministries."

While Grassley is not proposing any changes to the law or tax code, he's suggesting that he may do so after the investigation. "Based on initial review, the way ministries operate has changed significantly over the last 20 years to 25 years, while the tax laws governing them for the most part have not," his office said.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

How does this investigation stay legitimate?Can this type of hearing become the slippery-slope for all Churches to become suspect and subject to intrusive investigation?Or should we rejoice in the opportunity to weed out those among us who are lining their personal coffers behind the shield of religion? . . . . .

There is a passage in the Hebrew scriptures [the Old Testament] in the 1st Book of Samuel, chapter 15, that speaks very loudly and clearly [read the story here]. I, at times, feel somewhat insignificant in the overall scheme of the Lord's plans. Much of what I do seems to dwindle in importance compared to the accomplishments I see others perform.

God gave Saul very specific tasks to accomplish in retribution against the Amal'ekites, who hassled the Israelites on their way out of Egypt. Saul followed most of the instructions, then reneged on a few of them - a few that seemed somewhat minor to Saul. When Saul was challenged by Samuel for disobeying God, Saul tried to cover his tracks with a story. Samuel, who knew the Lord very intimately, knew that Saul had transgressed the instructions given him by God. As a result, God withdrew His favor from Saul, and Saul no loner served as king over Israel.

Living the life of a Christian man is not easy under any circumstance - the world, the flesh, the devil all work against me. Even with intent and grace, I stumble and fall. Even with the desire to follow the Lord and do His bidding, I fail. Even in times of great fervor, I fall short of the Glory of God - I sin, I miss the mark.

The life of Saul teaches me that I am accountable to God for my failings. Consequences follow my deeds, and I will pay dearly for my transgressions. Even knowing this, I bring shame.

Does this mean I cannot become a man of God - a Christian man? Of course not. It means I must daily strive with all my energies to do that which God has given me to do - I will be held accountable.

Virtue is the antidote for vice. There are many virtues necessary for the Christian man. I mean to look at some of them as I continue in this reflection.. . . . .[to be continued next Sunday]

Saturday, November 17, 2007

Reggie Wayne, football player with Indianapolis Colts, is 29 . . . . .in 1973, President Nixon told an Associated Press managing editors meeting in Orlando, Fla., that ``people have got to know whether or not their president is a crook. Well, I'm not a crook.'' (Go to article.)

Some people in Kentuckessee have trouble with all those "shalls" and "shall nots" in the Ten Commandments. They just aren't used to talking in those terms. So, some folks in Southeastern Kentucky got together and translated the "King James" into "Harlan County" language... No joke, read on...

The Hillbilly's Ten Commandments (posted on the wall at Cross Trails Church in Harlan, KY).

Cause Way Thursday. . . . .There are numerous causes and organizations that need help to fulfill their mission. Just as they need to continually reassess the work, so do I. Am I currently serving God's kingdom where and how He is calling me? I need to occasionally take a little extra time and ask God, again, to show me where he wants to use my talents.

Promotes, recruits and refers volunteers to missions in the U.S. and other countries. Through more than 200 faith-based programs, CNVS works with U.S. dioceses, religious orders and the private sector in determining volunteer needs. Publications include: annual Response Directory of Volunteer Programs; bi-weekly newsletter, How Can I Help?; and quarterly Mission Handbook.

Cross-Cultural Re-Entry and Re-Discovery for MissionFROM Mission to Mission provides a network for laity, sisters, brothers, priests and ministers who have been involved in cross-cultural or global ministry. FROM helps its members by counseling and coaching missioners during their time of "reverse culture shock," offering periodic re-entry workshops and retreats, convening regional and national gatherings of missioners, publishing and distributing booklets and tapes pertinent to transition issues, circulating a directory of member missioners' names and addresses, and publishing a periodic newsletter. FROM's goal is to ease the re-entry process through sharing the joys, angers, fears and frustrations that mark the missioners common experience upon re-entry.

The Way Wednesday. . . . .There seems to me to be a trend starting to develop this past decade or so. That seems to me to be a more serious search for the truth. In spite of all the secularism that has arisen, world wide, I think there is an deeper search going on by many. Some of these many are already 'religious'. Some are Catholic, some are Protestant, some are atheistic, some are not sure what they are - but they're all searching for something deeper and true.

We read fairly regularly of those who leave the Catholic Church and move over to protestantism, especially to Evangelical denominations; and others to Pentecostal groups. On the other side, we hear of Protestants who are 'crossing the Tiber' and becoming Catholic. I believe it is all in response to a hunger in the soul for something truer than what they believe they are experiencing.

There are some who have made the journey and returned to where they started. In an interview earlier this year, Tim Drake interviewed Francis Beckwith. The article appeared in The Catholic World Report and was titled To Evangelicalism and Back. In the article, Francis Beckwith discusses the reasons for his reversion and reactions to it.[Tim Drake is a Lutheran convert to the Catholic faith. He serves as senior writer with the National Catholic Register and Faith and Family Magazine. He writes from St. Joseph, Minnesota.]What can we make of his journey? You can read the article here.. . . . .

I love this video clip - reminds me of the Catholic Worker spirit: he needs a place to stay, well OK, he can stay with us.

I think one way to be hospitable is to welcome people into shared work. This past spring I stayed at my sister's house for the week before her daughter's wedding and helped out any way I could. Of course I had a comfortable bed to sleep in and good food to eat while I was there, but what made me feel more welcome than anything - less like a guest, more like a part of the household - was being given errands to do, like early-morning runs to Wal-Mart, and about a dozen trips in between the house and the church.. . . . .

I've found it helpful to look at persons in the Bible for clues about how I should live my life. Assuming I want to be a 'man of God', there are probably some characteristics I need to adopt as my own -that also supposes there are behaviors and characteristics I should avoid.

Job, a personage in the Old Testament writings, seems to me to be a very good model to aspire to imitate. He seems to be helpful in presenting a picture of what a man - a man of God - should look like. I say helpful, but I'm not suggesting it is a complete picture.

The 29th chapter of the Old Testament book named after this man Job, is quite telling.It says that Job is friends with God.It says that Job is a respected man of wisdom and authorityIt says that Job was a man who could make decisions and take charge of situations.It says that Job was a man who looked after the welfare of the people in his circle.It says that Job helped the oppressed, the widows, and the poor.It says that Job corrected error when it arose.

Are those characteristics and traits of the kind of man I want, or need, to be?

As a man of God, I need to be ever vigilant to be effective in living life in a manner that will not give the Creator a black-eye. I am a reflection of, and an extension of, the Godhead Himself. If my behavior is anything but what it should be, I may be responsible, through example, for turning someone else in the wrong direction.

I could write volumes about those times when I have been just that - a bad example. I hope there are other times when I get it right.

[to be continued next Sunday]. . . . .Addendum:On Thursday of this past week, I and 4 other men traveled 9 hours to the Buffalo NY area to attend a funeral on Friday Morning. The man being buried is the brother of a friend of ours. The deceased could be a role model for many men.

I don't recall ever being at a wake, Funeral Mass, and burial quite like it. This man was well known by many in every social and economic circumstance - top to bottom. The honor guards were several, representing some of the many influences in his life.

There were approximately 25 bikers dressed as you see them on the streets and in the mags from full leather to jeans and vests and regaled with every conceivable emblem and insignia - riding their Harley's in pairs from the funeral home to the church to the cemetery.

There were another 20 or so Emergency Services vehicles from just about every jurisdiction within 50 miles of his home town - first responders, all of them. And law enforcement officers forming an honor guard for the casket from the hearse to the church entrance for his coming and his going.

There was a contingent of approximately 50+ Seneca Indians who live on the reservation adjacent to the deceased's property. He was a full adopted member of the tribe and the Red Eye clan who were listed in his obituary, naming his adoptive parents and siblings.

There was a group of American Veterans of his Viet Nam War era.There was a special Naval Honor Guard, providing the flag ceremonies and bugler at the cemetery.There was a 'flyover' of Emergency Services helicopters at the conclusion of the graveside services.There were elected officials and government employees.There were citizens of his home town, where he had served as Mayor for more than one term.There were relatives from all over who made the trip to honor this wonderful man.There was his family friend, who was also his personal confessor and Chaplain for the Emergency Services department of the County in which the deceased had served as Director and Commissioner of Emergency Services for many years, and who celebrated the Funeral Mass.There were friends of friends, and people who had been the recipient of his generosity, and people who had disagreements with the things he did, and others for whom he was the peacemaker, and those for whom he helped bring consensus when no one else seemed to be able to get that done.

And he was GOD's man. He and his life of example showed others the way to God. The way he suffered the past year and a half, and died while praying the rosary with family and friends at his side, all spoke volumes. He has joined that 'cloud of witnesses' of whom scripture speaks.

Please offer a prayer of thanksgiving with me for this dear brother in the Lord, Michael Walters, former Commissioner of Emergency Services for Erie County [Buffalo] NY. May his soul rest in Peace.. . . . .

Saturday, November 10, 2007

I've been traveling the past two weekends, and then was gone THURSDAY 'til this morning this week. I am WA_A_A_A_A_Y_Y_Y_Y behind on 'stuff', including this blog. I'll get back on schedule tomorrow, Sunday.

Friday, November 9, 2007

Lou Ferrigno, Actor ("The Incredible Hulk") is 55 . . . . .in 1965, the great Northeast blackout occurred as several states and parts of Canada were hit by a series of power failures lasting up to 13 1/2 hours. (Go to article.)

Too many times I've missed the opportunity to help someone who was crying out for help. "What?!?!?" you say. You don't believe it ... 'cause I'm always so busy doing God's things and church things and...

Yeah, and not paying attention sometimes to the suffering and hurting people around me. They're all around me and I don't hear them ... I'm in my own little world - not in God's world. "Put on the mind of Christ!" Saint Paul writes. "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives - in me."

Today! Today! This is the day that I will change all of that. Today! I will look and listen and be Christ to the hurting and suffering and lost. Help me Lord.

. . . . .You may already know about this children's movie coming out in December starring Nicole Kidman. It's called The Golden Compass, and while it will be a watered down version, it is based on a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia). From what I understand, their hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie (which won't seem too bad) and then get the parents to buy the anti-religious books for their kids for Christmas unknowing that this is what the books are truly about.

The quotes from the author sum it all up. Christians need to fight back by not letting their children see this movie, or read the books... and pass this important information on to anyone you care about...

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Billy Graham, Christian Evangelist, is 89. . . . .in1874, Harper's Weekly featured a cartoon about criticisms of President Grant, an image which includes the first important use of the Republican Elephant.(See the cartoon and read an explanation).. . . . .DO, please look at the cartoon and read the explanation.. . . . .

Vid Way Tuesday. . . . .Madison Avenue [the advertising boys] have made their BILLIONS of dollars by making sure I buy their client's products & services. How do they do that? Many, many, times it is by putting the message to music. They know, with the empirical evidence to back it up, that even when we think we're only listening to the music we're taking in their message.

When I say, "But mom, I only listen to that song for the music.", the reality is that she can win the bet 9 times out of 10 betting that I can sing along with the song even though I'm not listening to the words [yeh...right!].

How many of the 'oldies' from my era can I sing along with when I hear them on the radio? Many, if not most. But I never listened to the words ... I just liked the beat.

If I listen to good lyrical music, maybe even 'Christian' music, do you think that it would fill my mind with things of Christ more than if I listen to P. Diddy or 50 cent? What if someone took well known and popular current Christian songs and applied a secular message to the melody? Would I think of the Christian lyrics and remember Christ, or would I hear their secular message?. . . . .

One way in which we can extend hospitality to others is to feed the sick and bereaved. I'm sure we've all taken a casserole or a pie to a family which has experienced a death; knowing that cooking for visiting relatives would just be one more stress they didn't need. I have taken chicken soup to sick neighbors, and it was always appreciated.

A friend of ours who has a large family had serious surgery. Of course these days, even for a major thing, they dismiss you from the hospital within 2 or 3 days. So her friends from church signed up to bring in meals each day for a couple of weeks. Many parishes have a ministry set up to take food to families in situations like this. (It is a good idea to check and see if there are any dietary restrictions for people who have been ill.)

I am better at doing something like this than at entertaining others at our house (unlike my Mom, who must have been a closet Benedictine!). Mainly because I am bad at cleaning house. Which is why I am home from work today. Our son and his wife are coming to visit tomorrow, and the place is such a pit that I had to take a vacation day to get it halfway decent. So I'd better quit messing around and get busy.. . . . .

the more the merrier [from uncle jim]

We currently have an invitation out to about 60 people to come for dinner next Saturday evening. The way the invite goes, the first 25 to respond get in. We do this 3 - 6 times a year I would guess. Each time there may be some of the same folks invited, especially from among those who couldn't make it the previous time ... or didn't make their response in time. Through the course of the year, we keep trying to get some new people in the door. It is usually a pretty good mix of folks - and most of the time it includes families - kids - a few or a lot. Once in a while we'll make it an adults only invite to people who don't have kids at home. But it is a lot of fun. I encourage others to try it. You don't have to go large - half a dozen would do. Invite 20 and say the first 6 or 8 to respond get in. Oh - and you let them know that once you have a head count and demographic, you'll be calling them to let them know what they can bring.. . . . .

Some events seem to give pause for additional consideration, and this one did that to me. Each of us is created by God in His image and likeness [Gn 1:26 Then God said: "Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. ...]. Each of us is unique in all of creation. Each of us is expected to use the many different gifts and talents for the common good. Dennis is answering his call.

Am I?

Are you?

What is there about me, as a man [male], as a Christian man at that, that should make me stand out and be a reflection of that which God intended me to be? I want to share with you some thoughts along that line - thoughts that started en route driving 9 hours to Memphis. I intend this to be a continuing reflection for several weeks of Sundays. Join me in these reflections.. . . . . . . . . .Of the first things I've considered, those that seem of most importance to me are the qualities that define the character of the Christian man. First and foremost in my development of manly Christian character are issues of taking responsibility before God. I am responsible ... I am not a victim of some heavenly prank. This realization carries with it a lot of gravitas - weight, heaviness, significance.

If it does not please you to serve the LORD, decide today whom you will serve, the gods your fathers served beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose country you are dwelling. As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD."

Like Joshua before me, I need to take responsibility for my family, my 'house', my household. That means a lot of different things ... and 'things' are a part of the equation. God has blessed me with 'things' - they are ALL His. I have been appointed as chief steward of that portion of His creation entrusted to my care.

In our society and culture, money is a medium of exchange. I exchange money with others for things and services held by them. They exchange money with me to obtain things and services from me. I am responsible to use that money wisely. It is God's money. I am charged with looking after it and using it for His purposes and designs.

The notion of tithing comes to mind. A portion of that money needs to go directly to God's work. For me that means financial support to His church and other charitable works. It cannot be just what I have left over - it needs to be significant, and needs to allow for almsgiving, also.

Additionally, in the order of manly character development, I need to join with other like-minded men and take responsibility for the wider social groupings with which I come into contact in my neighborhood, city, state, and nation. Governments are in place for the broader common good. The micro level is my responsibility. I need to be "my brothers' keeper".

IF you're still not convinced that Jesus gives a list of core values here, look at Matthew 7:12, where He summarizes the Law in a single statement.

'Victory Rule' for commenting here

.....(Borrowed from Anita Moore at V for Victory).....I welcome comments, including comments critical of me. However, I am the King and Tyrant of this blog, and as such, I have the absolute right to not publish any comments that I find objectionable for whatever reason, including, but not limited to, vileness, colossal stupidity, or failure to stick to the subject of a post.Though some of you may not believe it, I may neglect to publish comments for charitable reasons, namely, to prevent the commenter, who has failed carefully to read what he is commenting on, and/or not thought his words carefully through, from further embarrassing himself. Furthermore, I do not owe anyone explanations as to why I have not published, or have removed, a comment. And if I fail to apologize for something I said that you don't like, you may assume I stand by what I said......

Please, mommy - don't

One particular "second chance" is witnessed in the life of the mother who decides AGAINST taking her unborn child's life. She is our hero. She will be championed here.There are many excellent 'Pro-life' blogs. May I recommend Dawn Eden's'the Dawn Patrol' and'Pro Life Blogs'.

About Me

Born & raised in NW Ohio - now a Hoosier;
Married w/three kids and four grandkids;
BBA [10 years night-school] University of Toledo; worked in truck transportation industry 21 years; was partner in a small automotive repair enterprise (manager and janitor) 1997 'til we closed it in 2013;
involved in RC parish church, and in Ecumenical Charismatic Covenant Christian Community; member local MLK-Day Events Committee; volunteer in soup kitchen, homeless shelter, ringing bells for Salvation Army, Youth ministry, youth and adult faith formation, Boy Scout Troop Sponsoring Organization Exec; work pt time with a Christian Unity initiative; occasional speaker at retreats and gatherings and prayer meetings; commenting on others blogs; most blessed

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Do I Know You?

Do I know you? #1, #2, #3, #4, #5

Second chances happen all around us. Most we might attribute to coincidence and circumstance. Some really are providential.

- - - #1The war was years old already. It needed to end soon. Europe was a hot bed of action, but when the attack struck Pearl Harbor it became personal. Pearl was OUR base, OUR boys. American men and women were answering the call.- - -San DiegoCalifornia was a great place to be in the early winter of 1943-1944. Because it was a MAJOR Naval center, the holiday streets were buzzing with enlisted men and women. Groups of guys checking out the gals ... the gals checking out the guys. Most of them were awaiting assignment overseas ... somewhere in the South Pacific ... somewhere we could get close enough to Japan and make them pay - big-time!

A group of Seabees, a name given to Naval personnel assigned to a Construction Battalion - CB's, were finishing training for deployment to the Island of Saipan. Of course they didn't know their destination - their orders were sealed and their known destination was only "somewhere in the South Pacific".They had 3 months of construction training to go, so it seemed a long way off. When training was complete, they would do the regular Armed Forces shuffle known as “Hurry-up and wait!” The holidays were upon them and a night on the town was the order of the day.- - -As the group walked through the nite-club area of San Diego, they were eyeing a group of Navy W.A.V.E.S. [Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service] coming toward them. W.A.V.E.S. were female Naval enlisted personnel. They were doing a lot of the jobs the men would normally be doing IF the men hadn't been needed on the front. These patriotic young women were becoming machinists and welders and whatever else was needed to free up the men. These men, Seabees, were needed to construct airfield landing strips on the islands of the South Pacific. It was from these lava planed surfaces that OUR boys were going to make it possible to end this thing, this war.They ogled each other and snickered and whistled and made flirtatious remarks toward one another. One of the W.A.V.E.S. spoke directly to one of the Seabees. "Do I know you?" A common enough pick-up line, but there was an earnest tone in her query. The young man looked her over and decided that if she did know him, he might get lucky. If she in fact didn't know him, well, maybe she'd get to.A few quick Q&A's determined they were in fact both from the same city in the mid-west. Another query and they discovered they were from the same High School. Another question about common acquaintances and they established that their families lived 3 blocks from each other. As this played out, they finally split off from their friends and went to have dinner together.- - - They were a couple of thousand miles from home and a couple of years out of school - both with a short period of time in the service. They were serving to end a war. They had gone to the same large high school, had common acquaintances, lived and grew up blocks from each other and, other than to pass each other in the busy halls at school, had never met.

Now they had their second chance.

- - - #2

The next several of months seemed to pass too quickly. That first chance meeting ... that first dinner together ... that first walk back to the base without all the other guys or gals ... that first realization that time was passing quickly, training was almost over, deployment was only around the corner. Mr. Seabee and Miss WAVE had found companionship where they never expected.Companionship doesn't fill all the voids of military life and training, but the two months since their meeting were much more tolerable than it was for many of their friends. The war was in the forefront of their minds. Thoughts of the days and weeks and months, and maybe the years, ahead were cloudy. Who knew what they would bring.? Would their relationship still be there after deployment to the South Pacific?

Reality has a way of bringing home the big questions. They both sought to understand what had happened to them in the months since they met. Their answer was soon confirmed by a Justice of the Peace. The two of them moved into off-base rental housing. They worried for each other, they loved each other, they told each other over and over how they'd be there for the other when this war was over.

He was waiting to travel by ship to his new duty station "somewhere in the South Pacific”. They stayed in that small apartment. She continued to report for 'work' each day as a welder and riveter. He reported to base every day and his unit spent time pre-fabricating various items they would take with them. She'd had a husband for a few several months, now. Waiting to ship him off to war was rather nerve racking.Surely that was the cause of the sleepless nights and the wrenching, churning, abdominal discomfort. When she was 3 weeks late, she wired home and told everybody the news. The message was double-edged – he’d received his orders. His unit was to deploy in the next 5 days.

Spring was almost over; summer was coming. She was pregnant. He was deploying to somewhere in the South Pacific. What an exciting turn of events. They made the most of it and spent extra time together.

She applied for a discharge. While waiting for it to go through, she continued to work. It came through and she was put-out, honorably, the first part of July. She returned home to the mid-west. Her family would look after her while her husband served his country – and tried to stay alive.- - -He arrived in the South Pacific on the Island of Saipan. A base camp and all the associated support buildings were erected. The preliminary excavations began for the airstrip at the same time - time was a critical factor. The Generals and Admirals back home had plans the men knew nothing about. Speed, as well as quality, were paramount in their efforts.

Volcanic mountains formed the island. The hills were full of caves and caverns and Japanese soldiers who had been holed up there for months before the arrival of the American Seabees. On the 15th of June, the Japanese came out of the hills and the Battle of Saipan was begun. The superior forces of the Americans won out. It took about a month and the Island belonged to the Americans.

Many of the Japanese infantrymen who survived were able to find refuge in the many unknown caves in the hills around the base and on more remote parts of the Island. They created sniper problems for the men working on the 'out-in-the-open' air strips. Others of them surrendered and had to be put in a makeshift POW camp facility. That meant using men as guards who were needed on the construction work. Just a part of the costs of being 'victorious'. Island natives also took a heavy toll during the battle. To escape the fighting, they hid in the caves, too. Women and children and babies were found in the caves...some still alive.

Letters were starting to arrive on a regular basis. The supply and cargo carrying ships that were arriving almost daily brought contact from home and loved ones. Our Mr. Seabee usually received stacks of letters all at one time - as did most of the sailors on base. They were opened in no particular order, and had to be done during breaks - the airstrip work took priority. After dark, they had to keep lanterns and other illumination at a minimum - light produced sniper fire, which produced injured and dead sailors.

All of this coincided in the middle of June and early July. The battle for the island was waged and over before he read a letter telling him his wife was now back home living with family. He needed to survive this, no matter how long it took. He was going to be a daddy.

He was really going to need a lot of 'second chances' to make it home to meet his new family...someday.- - -#3Snipers had become a real problem of late. The U S Marines bivouacked on the island spent their time in a continuous mop-up operation. While they continually searched the hills during the day, the renegade combatants put-up resistance. At night, the Marines would watch the hills for signs of life and sniper fire. Come daylight, those areas were searched and hit hard.

The seabees worked in the open all daylight long. They felt like sitting ducks. The airstrips were high priority and needed to be finished. Seven days a week was needed and the men needed to be rotated in and out so they had adequate rest. Recreation took various forms. Celebrations were greatly enjoyed. Birthdays took particular priority in the scheme of fun times.

The party included an announcement over the base P.A. system, followed by someone’s rendition of “Happy Birthday to You”. The cooks usually came up with a special dessert.

The P.A. system was also used to make general camp announcements, give some news about the war efforts in the South Pacific as well as in Europe, news from back-home, and play music as a diversion from the noisey business of building an airfield and all of the related facilities.

Our soon-to-be new dad wasn’t at all bashful announcing his birthday was coming.- - -Summer had passed by quickly and Fall presented its own opportunities. The girls in the family all knew how to sew and knit. So, a fair amount of time was spent making gender-neutral baby clothes. Baby names were bantered about. Life was starting to be a little routine, but certainly not boring.

Her parents had a small garden out back, and several fruit trees – one apricot, one plum, and one pear. Fall always meant cooking and canning. Everyone pitched in. This too helped pass the time between letters that came irregularly. While things had quieted down on the island, there were plenty of things to make her feel concerned for his safety.

All in all, focus was slowly turning to the birth of the baby. Mid-November was the due date. When everybody had just gotten used to October, the calendar changed over to November. Things were starting to get anxious.

It was time to get this over with. Anytime now would be alright with her.- - - #4

Timing is everything. Mr. Seabee had a wonderful birthday celebration that Saturday evening. Mail-call that day brought an especially welcome package from home. The missus had the foresight to mail the package almost 4 weeks early. She never would have bet that it would arrive on the exact day. It contained pictures, letters, and now almost stale cookies triple wrapped in wax paper. His favorite was the pictures. In one she had pulled up her blouse to expose a huge bare belly. "She's the size of a county-fair prize-winning watermelon," he thought. He slept well that night - the warm beer really helped.

Now Sunday was not a day off, but they did get to sleep in. Church services were on the beach for those who wished to attend. Breakfast was served, but not until 10am. The whole day moved to a different clock. The Seabees appreciated the break. After breakfast it was back to work. Those who partied late Saturday night were dragging.- - -Knowing the baby was due the middle of November, she tried to stay ahead of things - like putting together a package to send for his birthday. She had good family support, but she really wished he was there. Days were getting a little hard to endure.

Her mother kept a keen eye on the shape of the belly and the position of the baby. Days passed and mom knew the time for delivery was near. The family doctor made sure he stopped by the house and checked on her every week. Today's visit confirmed mom's suspicions - baby was coming soon. He commented to the mother-to-be about her size, but told her he could only hear one heartbeat, so nothing to worry about. She was relieved, but was starting to be concerned about the size of this kid. After all, it was her first baby.

It had been a little over 11 months since they met. The fact they had been neighbors before enlisting without knowing it had been the strangest of their discoveries. When she came home, she immediately made contact with his family. Her mother now put his family on alert as to the imminent birth of the grandchild.- - -The doctor had been at her house just 3 days ago. Things were changing. Mom knew it was time to go. Late evening or not, she knew to call the doctor. He instructed them to head for the hospital. He would be there shortly.

On arrival, she was taken into an examination room, then to a labor room not much bigger than the gurney she was on. The nurses assured her the doctor was on his way. The head nurse was not only a nurse, she was a nun. The hospital was operated by an order of Roman Catholic Sisters - nuns. She was a no nonsense nun and ran the department with a strict sense of order and professionalism - and she was as sweet as could be. She kept checking for movement of the baby to the birth canal - and for the heartbeat - and for dilation - and mother's vitals - and time between contractions - and...

When the doctor arrived, he and the Sister had a conference in the corner of the room. They decided it was time to take the new mother-to-be to a delivery room. In very short order they had her prepped, draped and ready to go. She noticed that the room was filling with medical people. She was wondering what it meant. Did it always take this many people to deliver a baby?

She asked the doctor, "Is everything alright?" "It certainly is," he said. "I don't want you to be concerned at all. Sister, here, is really good at what she does ... and she thinks she hears multiple heartbeats."

- - - #5American and Japanese troops were engaging each other all over the South Pacific. It became obvious to the seabees and Marines on Saipan that the U. S. was getting ready to invade Japan. The types of weapons and supplies that were coming into Saipan were not just for flight support. It made more than a few of the men nervous. They were here because they believed in the cause, but they still hoped for some resolution other than land invasion. That would cause too many civilian and soldier casualties.

Also obvious was that it didn't matter what they thought. They needed to have everything ready so when the word was given, they'd be moving!- - -She wanted so badly to have this baby quickly, easily, pain free. Right now, 'quickly' was in jeopardy - contractions had slowed down. The nurses were coaching her; the docs were ready to go; she wanted, with every ounce of nerve and courage she could muster, to do this thing - NOW!

Just before midnight they got going in earnest again. She breathed and she pushed...and she pushed...and she pushed. Something was moving down hard. It took all she had in her to stay focused. Finally, at 12:20am, she delivered a beautiful little boy. Now, she could get her breath back.

Not to be.

Sister - dear sweet Sister - in her most 'in command' tone said, "Sweety, you gotta keep going - there's another one that wants to get out of there, too." The words hung heavy in the air. Even the doctor was taken back slightly - right up to delivery of the first one, he still could only pick-up one fetal heart beat. Sister really knew her stuff. Right away they all got busy.

While one team took care of baby 'A', the rest of those in the room started working on birthing baby 'B'. It didn't take long either. Baby 'B' was well into the birth canal by the time the team gave her the first "Breathe - push" command. The doctor, the nurses, the mom - they all had a role to play and they played it well. At 12:31 am, baby 'B' was born...another boy.

Once cleaned up, it was very obvious to all observers, they were identical - identical twin boys...born 11 minutes apart on, let's see, "What is the date today?" - oh, yes...on 11/11.

If the birth of children is recognized as another chance for the continuation of the human race, then this one would go into the books as a 'first chance' and a 'second chance'.

The word got to the waiting room very quickly, where there was a gathering of two families. All were amazed at the wonders of God's timing. Wait 'til their dad hears about this. Wait 'til he gets home to see them.- - -About two weeks after the celebration of his birthday, during the evening meal, the base P.A. system crackled to life. When the new dad heard the words "Congratulations ... identical twins ... born two weeks ago ... Toledo ... on November 11 ..." he about dropped his load right there in the mess-hall [now that woulda been a mess].

Everyone set on him and congratulated him. He, he just wanted to go home and be with his wife - and his twin boys. Uncle Sam and Japan had other plans for him, though.- - -Little Jacky and Jimmy had lots of attention...and they had each other for crib partners. They played, they cried, they messed their pants - they learned to crawl, they learned to stand-up and hold onto things, they learned to pull things over - and break them. That first Winter found them indoors. Then Spring came and they got used to being in the fresh air and sunshine. Mother and family took lots of pictures ... they wrote lots of letters ... they waited for daddy to come home.- - -Good news came on the war front. Around the end of April, 1945, it looked like the war in Europe was close to ending. Then on May 8, 1945 [VE Day - Victory in Europe Day], the German parties signed the declaration of surrender. The Allies had won. Now they had the opportunity to shift all that equipment and manpower to the Pacific theatre of action. They were going to get after Japan full-force. That is what all this island buildup effort was about.

BUT, before the land attack, there were high-level meetings going on. A new Top-secret weapon had been tested. The decision had been made to use it.

On August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan. Then on August 9, 1945, the second was delivered. Modern warfare had been changed for all-time.

On August 15, 1945 [VJ Day - Victory in Japan Day], the Japanese government signed the articles of surrender. The war was over. The men on Saipan, and indeed all the South Pacific islands would be going home. It would take time to put it all together. Cleaning up the bases, arranging troop transport for thousands of sailors and soldiers from both the European and Pacific theatres would take time. But time was now on their side.- - -Back home, families were celebrating as never before. Babies had grown up while dads were serving their country. The twins would finally get to meet the man whom they would call 'dad'. And so it happened. Around the holidays in 1945, dad arrived home. His boys were over a year old ... and he wasn't planning on leaving them again - ever.

Together, a man and a woman started a family on a wing and a prayer. High-school classmates - strangers - became lovers...and second chances abounded every way you could see. Oh, they'd have problems - every family does. But, for now, life was full - and intentional - and wonderful.- - -

Iam one of theidentical twins they brought into this world. My older twin sibling and I are very proud to be part of the family they raised. The 5 brothers and sisters behind our lead are all just as proud to call them 'Dad and Mom', our parents. Not only were my brother and I born on dad's birthday, dad died on ours ... and mom died on our younger brother's birthday.

I hope you will remember in prayer all our armed service members of today, wherever they are in our world. I share these fond memories of my parents as a way of honoring them for their life-giving courage. Their 'second chances' made it possible for me and my siblings to continue the traditions and patterns of life we learned at their knee.

[Note: certain writer creative liberties were taken in this depiction. Activities and events during this time of war were based on 'stories from dad' and actual historical renderings of these same events and similar events. Stories of life at home also come from 'stories from mom', and others, and consolidations of numerous similar activities and events in their lives.]

Thank you for reading their story.

SeaBee Memorial

With Compassion for Others - We Build - We Fight - for Peace with Freedom